- Must visit
Colchester Castle Museum
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
Flights from Manchester to Colchester depart on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 9m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at £63 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.
There are 7 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:05, the last at 22:15. The fastest flight covers the 276 km distance in 1h 0m. January is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 276 km |
Average flight duration 1h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £63 |
Flights per day 13 |
Direct flights 7 |
Fastest flight 1h 0m |
First flight 5:05 |
Last flight 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Cheapest price
£79
Average price
£191
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 10 m
Flights per day
16
Distance
276 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Manchester to Colchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Colchester will cost around £191 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £79.
Of the 16 flights that leave Manchester for Colchester every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct flights cover the 276 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
The slowest flights will take 1 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
BA1363
BA1379
BA1369
BA1359
BA1381
BA1363
BA1369
BA1365
BA1379
BA1359Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Colchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, and a flight costs an average of £63.
Distance: 276 km
| Flight | Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|---|
£90 Average Price | £45 Average Price Cheapest | £67 Average Price |
4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 18m Average total duration 7h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 37m Average total duration 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Colchester flights for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:30 Manchester | 7h15 | 15:45 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:50 Manchester | 1h15 | 13:05 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:55 Manchester | 1h05 | 17:00 Colchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Colchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Colchester trip today.
Main city museum inside the castle, covering Roman Colchester, local archaeology and later history in a dramatic historic setting.
Natural history museum in a former church, with displays on Essex wildlife, geology and environment, suited to families and curious visitors.
Museum charting the city’s social history, from everyday objects to changing local life, housed in a restored historic building.
Central park beside the castle with lawns, mature trees and Roman remains. Ideal for a stroll, picnic or pause between sights.
Historic main street lined with shops and civic buildings, useful for exploring the town centre and taking in everyday city life.
Characterful district of timber-framed houses and narrow streets, known for its historic atmosphere and photogenic townscape.
Native Colchester oysters, served raw or dressed. They have been harvested locally since Roman times and are the town’s best-known traditional food.
Smoked eel from the Essex coast and estuaries, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich flavour tied to local fishing heritage.
A traditional Essex bake made with potatoes, onions and pork or beef, slowly cooked until soft. It is a longstanding county comfort food.
Fine dining restaurant in Dedham Vale near Colchester, known for polished British cooking and a refined countryside setting.
Established restaurant serving modern British dishes and seafood in a smart yet relaxed setting near the town centre.
Popular casual venue for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates, with a friendly atmosphere and strong local reputation.
Moderate for England: hotels and dining cost less than London, but more than smaller UK towns. Buses are reasonable; central sightseeing is mostly low cost.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Colchester by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Colchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Colchester flights use the Manchester Airport to London Heathrow Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Colchester airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Assistance, toilets.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need